Phlebotomy as a career in Ireland?

raspberrypie

Hi, just wondering, I see in the UK that there are always p/t and f/t positions open for Phlebotomoists, what about here in Ireland? I've never really seen it? I know many GP's do it themselves or they employ a registered nurse who does it at their practice.

I was looking at specific training in the UK, after which to the best of my knowledge you can join the professional organisation for Phlebotomists in the UK. The training isn't a quick couple of days as I've seen left, right and centre in the UK, it lasts close on two months, gives NHS competence and real hands on experience in a British hospital, dozens and dozens of hours. 90% of the programme is hands on, actually taking blood from patients, labeling it etc. It's not rocket science though you do, ideally, need training. The training I would e looking at getting wouldn't exactly be cheap especially once accommodation, travel and living costs are added in. But I'd e willing to invest in it if there was the potential for a career here in Ireland. Though that may be a big "if".

I've been in touch with an insurer in the UK and they can insure someone who has done this training course, even if they work in Ireland. I currently do a humanities BA by distance with a regular brick and mortar uni, final year, though having an Arts degree isn't in all honesty going to get me a career these days. I don't underestimate or overestimate what a Phlebotomist is, no illusions, you couldn't equate it to a registered nurse, however it is its own specific skills subset within the healthcare field.

I wonder if the HSE or the Dept.of Health have regulations and guidelines regarding who can and who cannot do bloods? I assume that if someone meets, at a minimum, the UK's NHS competence level that that would be recognised here? Though of course I could be wrong. For example Irish EMT qualifications are unfortunately not recognised in the UK and folks have to undergo some type of bridging programme. So, are there potential career opportunities in Ireland for Phlebotomoists? Are there regulations on Phlebotomy here in Ireland? Thanks.

L1011

A very small number of GP surgeries I'm aware of have a trained phlebotomist who is also their/a (in larger practices) receptionist or admin staffer. Some have nurses as well, some didn't. I'd guess that they were all existing staff who were trained up rather than phlebotomists hired in, though.

Nonoperational

Most hospitals have phlebotomy, and should have a lot more of it. GPs not so much. The practice nurse or the GP do the bloods.